Sufficient in Jesus :: Deeper Devotion

Sufficient in Jesus

February 27, 2009

by Tim Wade

2 Peter 1:3
“…seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”

I have to admit that one of my passions is cooking. I am not a chef, but I love watching them cook on TV, and over the years I’ve gotten pretty good at it - cooking, not watching TV. In fact, I have gotten so good at cooking that my wife prefers to eat my meals, instead of dining out. Now, keep in mind that I was called to preach when I was just a kid. I’ve known for quite a while what it was that GOD wanted to do with my life. That, however, did not stop me from wanting to open my own restaurant. In fact, the idea of owning my own business was such a great desire that it eventually became a god. I felt as if GOD had given me a talent; it was stupid not to use it.

Over time I pursued my dream, and at one time even found financing to make it happen, but with each turn of my pursuit, GOD would shut the door. Finally, after months of running from my call to the ministry in my attempt to own a restaurant, GOD revealed to me something that I still hold dear to this day. He showed me that I was afraid of failing, and that I was trying to add to His plan for my life. For some reason, I saw myself as a failure, unless I left my mark on life by owning the best restaurant on the planet.

All too often, we who claim the blood of Jesus still find it necessary to add to His gift of salvation, when in reality His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness. We don’t have to add to our salvation to feel good about who we are. Our purpose in life, our identity, our very self-worth comes out of knowing Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, and does not come from who we try to portray ourselves to be through personal achievements. Armed with this understanding at the heart of my faith, I have quit trying to open a restaurant. I have quit chasing blind ambition for personal gain, because I have come to know that in Christ, I have everything I need. Is He enough for you?

“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8.

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